Browns: Horton named new defensive coordinator

Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton speaks with the media outside the team's NFL football training facility, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in Tempe, Ariz., after his first interview for the teams' vacant head coach position. Former head coach Ken Whisenhunt was relieved of duties last week. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Horton, interviewed on Jan. 1 for the head coaching job since filled by Rob Chudzinski, was the Cardinals defensive coordinator the last two years. He was still under contract to the Cardinals and hoped to fill that coaching vacancy, but when Arizona chose Bruce Arians instead Horton was let go. The Browns moved quickly and hired him Friday.

"We are truly excited we were able to get someone of Ray's caliber as our defensive coordinator," Chudzinski said. "He possesses a great deal of experience as a player, position coach and coordinator in the NFL and has been part of some of the top defenses in the league throughout his career. He is an extremely talented coach and I know that he will work very well with the young nucleus of players we have on defense."

The Browns played a 4-3 defense under former defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. Chudzinski wants to play a hybrid defense. Horton coached a 3-4 scheme in Arizona.

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Norv Turner was hired as offensive coordinator Thursday and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor was retained. Chudzinski now has his three top assistants on staff.

"As we've said before, an important factor in hiring Rob was our confidence in him being able to put together a top-quality staff," CEO Joe Banner said. "He has assembled an extremely impressive group of coaches, and that will be very beneficial as we develop our players."

The Cardinals led the NFL in passer rating allowed (71.2) and interception percentage (4.4%) in 2012. Horton's defense ranked second in the NFL in interceptions (22) and third-down efficiency (32.9%), third in red zone defense (44.4%) and fourth in takeaways (33). The defense also ranked fifth in passing defense (200.8 yards per game), first downs allowed (288) and points allowed per drive (1.42).

Horton began his coaching career with the Redskins in 1994. He worked with defensive backs as either an assistant or position coach with Washington, Cincinnati, Detroit and Pittsburgh before moving on to Arizona in 2011.

Horton, a second-round pick by the Bengals in 1983, played six years with Cincinnati and four with the Cowboys. He intercepted 19 passes and scored five defensive touchdowns.